The Floor Guardians Assemble

"Too noisy!"

"To be so rude in the presence of the three Supreme Beings."

"Shalltear, Aura, the three masters are watching us."

A massive, blue, insectoid creature covered in a carapace and possessing four arms walked over from the edge of the Arena.

"That is Cocytus, the Floor Guardian of the Fifth Floor."

Naiyuan's voice echoed in the minds of Momonga and Herohero, explaining the situation to them.

As an NPC created by Takemikazuchi, Cocytus had been imbued with a strong warrior spirit at the time of his creation, which was why he deeply disliked the sight of Shalltear and Aura bickering.

"It was this little shrimp who provoked me first."

"I was merely stating the facts."

"Everyone, please, calm down."

Shalltear and Aura glared at each other indignantly, while Mare, standing to the side, continued to try and persuade them.

"Since the two of you refuse to stop, then allow me to be your opponent!"

Cocytus watched the two still arguing. He swung the giant axe in his hands and slammed it violently into the ground. The immense force caused cracks to spread across the floor, and a wave of frigid air began to emanate from the tip of the axe, instantly causing the ground to slowly freeze over.

"That is enough!"

"Aura, stop arguing!"

"All of you, cease this at once!"

Seeing the situation slowly spiraling out of control, the three individuals sitting on the sidelines watching the show were forced to speak up to stop them.

"As you command, Supreme Beings!"

The three of them immediately dropped their stances and bowed toward the direction of the seats.

"Aura, as the older sister, do not make things difficult for your brother. Know when to stop your playing around."

Naiyuan spoke to the Dark Elf siblings before him with a tone of admonition.

"I am terribly sorry, Father."

Aura immediately straightened her posture and bowed toward Naiyuan.

Meanwhile, Momonga looked toward the insectoid standing respectfully to the side.

"You did well, Cocytus, but do not be so impulsive next time. If we do not voice our opposition, it means we are tacitly approving."

Momonga first praised the subordinate, then instructed them to be more observant next time. The argument between Shalltear and the other had been tacitly permitted by the three of them, so they shouldn't be so impulsive in the future.

It was a classic case of a slap followed by a sweet treat.

"As you command, Momonga-sama. I will be sure to take note."

Herohero, standing to the side, watched his two friends reprimand the NPC in silence, having no intention of participating. After all, while he could chat and joke with Naiyuan and Momonga, who had crossed over with him, he felt no such inclination toward these NPCs. At most, he had joined his two friends in scolding the subordinate, only to then lean back into his chair and return to watching the show.

Seeing that Herohero, a Supreme Being, had nothing further to say, Cocytus could only bow deeply to him as a sign of respect.

Herohero saw this and gave a slight nod in response.

"My apologies for keeping you all waiting!"

A short while later, a demon walked over. He wore a red suit and glasses that obscured his diamond-like eyes, his face bearing the look of a natural-born traitor.

"My deepest apologies, my three lords. I am late."

From the other entrance, a figure clad in pale blue armor also approached. He addressed everyone in the Arena, his eyes fixed on the presence sitting in the seat on the left.

"My great father, Sephis offers his heartfelt gratitude for your summons."

Sephis, clad in his pale blue armor, performed a noble's salute toward Naiyuan, his tone laced with joy.

"Sephis, I am happy to see you too. Go stand to the side for now; we shall talk in a little while."

Naiyuan gazed at the figure before him with complex emotions. This was an NPC he had created—one could even say he was his child. Seeing him stirred great waves of emotion within him.

"As you command."

Hearing the order, Sephis acknowledged it, then walked to the side and stood next to Aura.

Just then, another figure appeared before them: Albedo.

"Now, everyone, let us offer our tribute of loyalty to the great Supreme Beings."

Albedo stepped in front of the Floor Guardians and spoke, then was the first to kneel.

"First to Third Floor Guardian, Shalltear, presents herself before the three Supreme Beings."

"Fifth Floor Guardian, Cocytus, presents himself before the three Supreme Beings."

"Sixth Floor Guardians, Aura and Mare, present ourselves before the three Supreme Beings."

"Seventh Floor Guardian, Demiurge, presents himself before the three Supreme Beings."

"Floor Guardian of the Eighth Floor, Sephis, pays respects to the three Supreme Beings."

"Overseer of the Floor Guardians, Albedo, pays respects to the three Supreme Beings."

"With the exception of the Fourth Floor Guardian, Gargantua, and Victim, who shares the Eighth Floor with Sephis, all Floor Guardians have arrived at the Sixth Floor."

"Please, Supreme Beings, issue your commands. We Guardians will surely live up to your expectations with all our might, dedicating everything to you three."

As all the Floor Guardians finished their reports, Albedo, who stood at the very front, spoke respectfully.

"Very well. Raise your heads, Guardians." Momonga stood up from his seat. As he did, a terrifying aura began to radiate from his body; without anyone noticing, Momonga had already activated Despair Aura.

Naiyuan and Herohero, standing to the side, exchanged a glance before rising in unison, simultaneously activating their own skills.

Dragon Aura

Corrosion Aura

Instantly, three immense waves of pressure hammered down upon the kneeling Guardians, leaving them unable to make even the slightest movement.

"First, I would like to thank you all for gathering here," Momonga said.

At the same time, he couldn't help but glance at the two beside him. Seeing their serious expressions, he nodded inwardly—they were his friends, after all, and knew how to help him build momentum.

"You are too kind; this is our honor."

Albedo gazed at Momonga with eyes full of deep affection. The overflowing love in her expression made Momonga subconsciously take a step back.

Too terrifying, he thought. He felt that if they were left alone, she would suck his very bone marrow dry.

"As beings created by the Supreme Beings, we are all your most loyal servants. We feel deeply honored by your praise."

"To live up to these expectations, we will give our all and never bring shame to the great Supreme Beings."

Demiurge spoke respectfully toward Momonga, expressing his loyalty as a Floor Guardian.

"We swear it."

The other Guardians responded in a loud, unified voice.

"Is that so? I have seen your loyalty. Now, I have a question for you all."

"In your eyes, what kind of people are the three of us?"

Momonga responded to the Guardians step by step, finally asking this crucial question.

Beside him, Naiyuan and Herohero also looked over, equally curious about the answer.